Complementary & Alternative Medicine Tips
Complementary & Alternative Medicine Tips
Acupuncture to quit smoking
Acupuncture may help people stop smoking -- right after quitting, it may help relieve the nicotine withdrawal (not proven yet).
Ask your doctor
Ask your doctor if she thinks acupuncture might help your condition, and for a referral - treatments may be covered by your health insurance.
Blood thinners
Acupuncture using needles may not be right for you if you are taking any type of blood thinner (anticoagulant, such as warfarin). Ask your doctor.
Bursitis and Tendonitis
Consider acupuncture as part of a treatment plan for bursitis and tendonitis.
Check your insurance
See if your insurance covers acupuncture. Find out the deductible & co-pay for complementary and alternative medicine treatments.
Credentials
Check your acupuncturist's credentials. Look for accreditation by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Infertility treatment
Preliminary results suggest acupuncture may increase the success rate of in vitro fertilization (published in BMJ, Feb 2008).
Muscle spasms
Consider acupuncture if you have painful muscle spasms, along with trigger points (areas of the skin that are sensitive and cause radiating pain).
Needle size
Needles in Japanese acupuncture are smaller than in Chinese acupuncture (EG, goshin needle is .12-.18" versus .32" for Chinese).
Regulations
Acupuncture needles are now regulated as medical devices, and carry labels that require they be used only by certified professionals.
See a doctor
DO NOT RELY ON THE DIAGNOSIS OF DISEASE proposed by an acupuncturist unless they have substantial conventional medical training (MD or DO).
Sports injuries
Consider acupuncture for treatment of pain following sports injuries.
Tax deductible
Your acupuncture expenses are tax deductible as medical expenses. Or, pay these expenses with your flexible savings or healthcare savings account.
Treatment areas
Many acupuncturists now believe that the acupuncture points are too small -- the effective treatment areas are actually much larger.
Use sterile needles
Your acupuncturist should use sterile needles from a one-time use package.
- Track your goals
- Get advice & support
- Read personalized news
- Meet people like you
- Earn Well Points!
Subscribe to Tips
